Big P vs. Little P Purpose — Why You Don't Need to Find Your One True Calling
Aug 4, 2026 · 50m
Summary
Brett McKay interviews Jordan Grumet, author of *The Purpose Code*, who argues that pursuing a singular "Big P" purpose often leads to burnout and anxiety. Grumet advocates for "little p" purposes—action-oriented activities enjoyed for their own sake—to foster meaning, connection, and legacy. Drawing from his background as a hospice doctor, he shares practical exercises like regret audits and childhood joy reflections to help listeners identify and build these fulfilling pursuits.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Shopify and Wayfair
Introduction: Purpose vs. Happiness
Jordan's Journey from Doctor to Financial Independence
The Trap of Deferring Purpose for Financial Independence
Big P Purpose vs. Little P Purpose
Why Big Audacious Goals Lead to Burnout
The Power of Little P Purpose and Generational Impact
Sponsors: Greatist, Chime, Tiny Health, and Indeed
How Little P Purpose Builds Connections and Happiness
Finding Purpose Anchors: Regret Audits and Childhood Joys
The Climb: Testing Purpose Anchors and Finding Flow
Why Family Should Not Be Your Sole Purpose
Outro and Sponsor: Progressive
Listen ad-free on Castria